Personal Finance News
United Airlines Announces Increase to Checked Baggage Fees
Ahead of the summer travel season, United has revealed changes to its checked luggage pricing.
About United’s Checked Baggage Price Hike:
Effective for tickets purchased on or after today, checking bags on United will cost more. Now, the first checked bag on domestic routes will cost $50, while a second will cost $60. This marks a $10 increase for each bag. However, flyers can still save $5 off the standard price if they pay for their checked bag at least 24 hours before their flight’s departure. Meanwhile, the price for a third checked bag has increased by $50, hitting $200.
To qualify for standard pricing, bags must be 62 linear inches or less (length + width + height per bag) and have a max weight of 50 pounds. Oversized bags between 63 and 115 linear inches will continue to be assessed a $200 fee. A $100 per bag fee applies to bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds, increasing to $200 for bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds.
For those looking to save on checked bags, United’s co-branded credit cards may be an option. Customers with the United Explorer Card can get their first checked bag for free when they pay for their ticket with their card. That perk increases to the first and second checked bags for United Quest and United Club cardholders. This benefit also applies to one travel companion on the same reservation. The United Explorer Card has a $150 annual fee, which is currently waived for the first year. United Quest carries a $350 annual fee, and United Club comes at a cost of $695.
My Thoughts:
Unfortunately for flyers, when one major carrier raises these types of fees, the other tend to follow in pretty short order. Therefore, at this point, I’d anticipate that checking bags on your next flight will likely cost you more. Of course, this also comes as fares are expected to climb amid rising jet fuel prices.
As for why United might have chosen now to hike baggage fees, it may not be as simple as “more money.” Recently, United revamped its MileagePlus frequent flyer program, putting an emphasis on its co-branded credit cards. With that in mind, this too could be a ploy to push passengers toward opening a United credit card.
So, should you get a credit card to save on baggage fees? Depending on how much you fly and how loyal you are to one carrier, it might not be such a bad idea. Just be sure to look into all the card’s perks and costs to see if it will truly bring you value aside from a one-time trip.
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